The campaign against Pinochet at Thame cinema
THE next film to be shown by Thame Cinema 4 All, is to be Director, Pablo Larrain’s ‘NO’ starring Gael Garcia Bernal and Alfredo Castro. The film has a 15 certificate and is 115 minutes long. It will be shown on Saturday, October 5.
Scene from ‘No’ to be screened at Thame Cinema 4 All
THE year is 1988. After 15 years in power, the Chilean dictator Pinochet succumbs to international pressure to hold a referendum to democratically legitimise his presidency, and establish that the people are enthusiastic about another eight years under his rule. His supporters – including the United States – assume that in an environment of growing economic prosperity, and with a buoyant newly affluent middle class, a Yes vote will be a certainty. His opponents – given the first opportunity since the coup in 1973 to air their views – are initially despondent, assuming that this is a fraudulent show of democracy and that corruption and the prolonged oppression of dissent will ensure the failure of the No campaign.
But a media-savvy liberal advertising executive René (Bernal) persuades them otherwise. He rejects the tactics favoured by the left – a campaign of bitter realism and in-your-face ideology – in favour of a carefully orchestrated and sophisticated advertising campaign that instead of telling it like it is, sells the people an airbrushed and hopeful vision of an alternative future. Of course, this means that those embittered by years of persecution, executions and disappearances must put their grievances to one side, something that is hard for many to countenance. But as the No campaign gains momentum, the Pinochet team resorts to desperate dirty tricks, as its own slick commercial cynicism is thrown back in its face. Larrain’s film is engaging, witty, heartfelt and moving, and packs a real emotional punch in spite of its ironic lightness of touch.
Thame Cinema 4 All screenings are at The Players Theatre, Nelson Street, Thame. Doors open 7.30 pm and the film starts at 8pm. Licensed bar
